Cape voters approve $21 million school budget

CAPE ELIZABETH — Unofficial results indicate residents of Cape Elizabeth voted 1,837 to 686 in favor of the School Board’s $21 million budget for fiscal year 2012.

In a non-binding vote, 1,288 residents also indicated the school budget was acceptable, 813 residents thought it was too high, and 279 thought it was too low.

The $21 million school budget adds $447,719, or 2.2 percent, to the current school budget, and will result in a 33 cent, or 2.6 percent, increase in the $12.89 tax rate for school services.

Residents of Cape Elizabeth voted 1,837 to 686 in favor of the School Board’s $21 million budget for fiscal year 2012.

In a non-binding vote, 1,288 residents indicated the school budget was acceptable, 813 residents thought it was too high and 279 thought it was too low.

The $21 million school budget adds about $448,000, or 2.2 percent, to the current school budget, and will result in a 33 cent, or 2.6 percent, increase in the $12.89 tax rate for school services.

Interim Superintendent of Schools Ken Murphy said he appreciates the overwhelming community support of the school budget.

“It’s very reassuring to see such a great response,” he said.

According to Town Clerk Debra Lane voter turnout was 35 percent. The percentage is based on the number of ballots cast for the State Senate election. There were 2,643 votes cast and 530 were absentee ballots.

The school budget vote drew 2,608 voters and 497 were cast as absentee ballots.

Lane said there are about 7,500 registered voters in Cape Elizabeth.

“The turnout is better than I expected,” she said Tuesday. “Cape residents are active and they do get out and vote.”